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Psychiatrist wants me to go off meds cold turkey, then start the normal dose again in a few months- Normal?
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thelmandlouise is in Turkey
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Idk if this is common or I need to find a new doctor, any advice or perspectives are appreciated. TLDR at the bottom.

I (23nb) have been seeing a new psychiatrist for six months- she did not diagnose me, I had my records sent over. For this time, she has been prescribing me the same dose of Adderall as I was prescribed before (which I found to be effective).

I've had a rocky history of mental health for my whole life, but have been relatively stable for the last two years(Adderall). I won't get too into it, but it was very treatment resistant and very "high risk." I've tried over 15 medications and been subjected to FAR more than the recommended maximum of ECT (electroshock). The medications beside adderall gave me terrible terrible side effects and no benefits. I share this because I think it freaked her out.

This week, I had a routine appointment with my new psychiatrist. I mentioned that either I'm depressed, burnt out, my meds are becoming less effective, or a combination of them. She immediately suggested a class of meds I've only had negative reactions to (atypical antipsychotics), and I reminded her of this. She then said that because she suddenly remembered I've been diagnosed bipolar in the past, she thinks I'm going to become manic (no signs of this at all) and that she will not write me a refill. She said after I adjust to the new meds(specifically one I've taken already), she will put me back on Adderall?

Now, I'm on the maximum dose for my weight. I can't just cold-turkey this. When I'm without meds because of the pharmacy for a few days, I can't even make myself get a glass of water, a snack, or get up to take a piss until the pain is too much. I'm not kidding. She would not budge.

I, not wanting to come off as a manic addict, tried to explain calmly and matter-of-factly that while I understand her professional concerns and obligations, I have not shown any signs of mania- exactly the opposite in fact- for half an hour. I begged her to wait at least a few weeks as I have very critical responsibilities that I cannot screw up right now.

Why would she force me to stop taking my meds cold turkey which I've been stable on for two years, to take a medication I've already taken and had no benefits from (only negative side effects), just to say she will put me back on the Adderall? Do I need a new doctor? I tried to find an ADHD specialist (according to her bio) but this seems weird and not good? Eventually she agreed to prescribe me both but meet biweekly.

TLDR: I am depressed, burnt out, and/or my meds (Adderall) are not working as usual. Psychiatrist wanted me to stop taking them entirely immediately, start taking an atypical antipsychotic which has not worked for me in the past, and then put me back on my usual dose of Adderall. I convinced her to prescribe both but am weirded out. Is this regular?

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1 year ago